What Are the Manifestations of Phlegm-Dampness Constitution? How to Regulate It?

The phlegm-dampness constitution refers to a condition where the functions of the internal organs are disordered, leading to Qi, blood, and body fluids being improperly transformed, resulting in the accumulation of water and dampness, which coalesces into phlegm. This condition is often characterized by obesity, fullness in the abdomen, chest tightness, excessive phlegm, easy fatigue, a heavy body feeling, a preference for rich and fatty foods, a swollen tongue, and a white, greasy tongue coating. It is commonly caused by invasion of cold and dampness, irregular diet, congenital predisposition, aging, chronic illness, and lack of exercise. Symptoms may vary depending on the location of phlegm-dampness retention, with a tendency to easily suffer from conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and chest obstruction, and poor adaptability to the plum rain season and damp environments. The primary treatment principle is to dry dampness and resolve phlegm, while also focusing on improving the phlegm-dampness constitution to prevent the occurrence of phlegm-dampness diseases.

What Are the Manifestations of Phlegm-Dampness Constitution? How to Regulate It?

The phlegm-dampness constitution is often caused by various factors leading to dysfunction in the transformation of the internal organs, resulting in improper movement of Qi, blood, and body fluids, accumulation of water and dampness, and the formation of phlegm, which then obstructs the internal organs and further affects their function.

1. The causes of phlegm-dampness constitution generally include the following:

1. Invasion of cold and dampness

Humid climate, exposure to rain or water, or prolonged residence in damp areas can lead to the invasion of dampness into the body, affecting the spleen and stomach, impairing the transformation of water and dampness, resulting in the accumulation of phlegm.

2. Irregular diet

Frequent overeating or excessive consumption of rich and fatty foods can damage the spleen and stomach, preventing them from properly distributing the essence of food and transforming water and dampness, leading to the internal generation of dampness and phlegm accumulation.

3. Congenital predisposition

Individuals with a constitution prone to stomach heat who consume excessive rich and fatty foods may experience impaired spleen function, leading to dampness and phlegm accumulation.

4. Aging and chronic illness

Weakness of the spleen and stomach, reduced transformation function, or deficiency of kidney Yang can hinder the movement of Qi and water.

5. Lack of exercise

Long-term sedentary behavior can lead to poor circulation of Qi and blood, sluggish transformation in the spleen and stomach, and the inability to transform water and dampness, resulting in internal phlegm-dampness.

Common manifestations of phlegm-dampness constitution include obesity, fullness in the abdomen, chest tightness, excessive phlegm, easy fatigue, a heavy body feeling, a preference for rich and fatty foods, a swollen tongue, and a white, greasy tongue coating. Symptoms may vary depending on the location of phlegm-dampness retention, with a tendency to easily suffer from conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and chest obstruction, and poor adaptability to the plum rain season and damp environments.

2. Diagnostic methods for phlegm-dampness constitution:

1. Phlegm-dampness in the lungs

Manifestations: recurrent cough, excessive sticky or thick phlegm, white or grayish color, worsened by sweet and greasy foods, fatigue, white and greasy tongue coating, and slippery pulse.

Regulation: dry dampness, resolve phlegm, warm the lungs, and descend rebellious Qi.

2. Phlegm-dampness obstructing the middle

Manifestations: abdominal fullness and discomfort, worsened by eating, chest tightness, dizziness, heavy body feeling, nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, bland taste, normal or loose stools, thick and greasy tongue coating, and submerged slippery pulse.

Regulation: dry dampness, resolve phlegm, regulate Qi, and harmonize the middle.

3. Phlegm-dampness obstructing the orifices (phlegm obstructing the clear orifices)

Manifestations: heavy head, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting phlegm and saliva, poor appetite, excessive sleepiness, thick and greasy tongue coating, and submerged slippery pulse.

Regulation: dry dampness, resolve phlegm, strengthen the spleen, harmonize the stomach, and pacify the liver to subdue wind.

Symptoms of phlegm-dampness constitution are diverse, and the primary regulation method should focus on drying dampness and resolving phlegm.

3. Prevention and health care methods for phlegm-dampness constitution:

Individuals with phlegm-dampness constitution should develop good dietary habits, avoid rich, fatty, and cold foods, quit smoking and drinking, and regularly consume ginger, vegetables, and fruits rich in fiber and vitamins to maintain normal bowel movements. Since “the spleen is the source of phlegm, and the lungs are the storage for phlegm,” individuals with phlegm-dampness constitution should avoid exposure to water and rain, prolonged residence in damp areas, and pay attention to warmth to prevent external cold and dampness from harming the spleen. Special care should be taken during the plum rain season to prevent dampness. Engaging in appropriate physical exercise, aiming for slight sweating, can help promote smooth circulation of Qi and blood.

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